Apparatus for packaging linear material

ABSTRACT

The disclosure involves a method and apparatus for advancing linear material or a bundle or bundles of fibers by substantially constant feeding means to a packaging station or stations at which the linear material is wound into package form, the feeding of the linear material being dependent upon sufficient tension and character of engagement of the material with the feeding means to assure positive feed but upon failure of tension to provide slippage interrupting the advance of the material. The disclosure includes processing a multiplicity of strands impregnated with a coating material wherein the feed method is individual to each strand and the winding station therefor, the arrangement providing for automatic interruption of an individual winder and advancement of strand thereto in event there is breakage or loss of tension in the strand delivered to such winder without affecting delivery of strands to other operating winders.

United States Patent [191 Schaffer et a1.

[ APPARATUS FOR PACKAGING LINEAR MATERIAL [75] Inventors: Robert S.Schaffer, Huntingdon, Pa.; John W. Fitzgerald, Jr., Dorchester, Mass.

[73] Assignee: Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation, Toledo, Ohio [22]Filed: July 19, 1971 [21] App]. No.: 164,024

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation of Ser. No. 731,209, May22, 1968,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,273,812 9/1966 Lacasse242/42 3,292,871 12/1966 Smith et al 242/45 [451 Oct. 16,1973

6/1967 Spurgeon 242/45 1/1968 Klink et al. 242/42 [5 7] ABSTRACT Thedisclosure involves a method and apparatus for advancing linear materialor a bundle or bundles of fibers by substantially constant feeding meansto a packaging station or stations at which the linear material is woundinto package form, the feeding of the linear material being dependentupon sufficient tension and character of engagement of the material withthe feeding means to assure positive feed but upon failure of tension toprovide slippage interrupting the advance of the material. Thedisclosure includes processing a multiplicity of strands impregnatedwith a coating material wherein the feed method is individual to eachstrand and the winding station therefor, the arrangement providing forautomatic interruption of an individual winder and advancement of strandthereto in event there is breakage or loss of tension in the stranddelivered to such winder without affecting delivery of strands to otheroperating winders.

10 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Big-i Patented Oct. 16,1973 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Oct. 16, 1973 3,765,988

5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented Oct. 16, 1973 5 Sheets-Sheet 4.

Patented Oct. 16, 1973 3,765,988

5 SheetsSheet s APPARATUS FOR PA'CKAGING LINEAR MATERIAL Thisapplication is a continuation of application Ser. No. 731,209, filed May22, 1968, now abandoned.

The invention relates to a method of and apparatus for packaging linearmaterial such as a strand of fibers wherein a strand advancing orfeeding means operated at a constant speed is associated with the linearmaterial in a manner wherein slippage may occur in event of loss oftension in the linear material in order to assure that the material isfed to the winder at the rate at which the material is wound into apackage with the material under substantially constant tension, thematerial feeding method and apparatus being particularly adaptable foruse with an arrangement for impregnating or coating strands or bundlesof strands of filamentary materials such as strands of glass filamentsand packaging the impregnated or coated bundles of strands, the coatingor impregnating material being of a character rendering the strands orbundles of strands particularly adaptable for forming tire cord or thelike.

Heretofore difficulties have been encountered in endeavoring to feedstrands withdrawn simultaneously from packages at a substantiallyconstant linear rate and winding each strand or groups of strands onindividual rotating collectors so that each wound package containssubstantially the same amount of strand. The problem is particularlypresent in coating or impregnating a large number of strands andpackaging the strands or groups of strands on individual collectors toobtain a high production yield of usable material.

The invention embraces a method of withdrawing linear material from asupply at a substantially constant tension by a rotating surface havingfrictional engage.- ment with the linear material and winding the linearmaterial on a rotating collector into a package and wherein reduction orloss of tension between the material advancing surface and the packagebeing wound effects slippage of the linear material on the surface untilthe rotating collector attains a speed to wind the material at the ratethe material is fed and proper tension established in the advancinglinear material.

An object of the invention resides in a method of advancing linearmaterial at a normally constant rate to a rotating collector forpackaging the material by frictional engagement of the material with arotating material feeding surface, the friction between the material andthe feeding surface being dependent upon the linear contact of thematerial with the surface and the character of the surface whereby therate of advancement of the material is automatic to assure propercollection of the material upon a rotating packaging collector.

Another object of the invention resides in a method of packaging aplurality of linear bodies for concomitantly winding each of the bodiesupon an individual rotating collector, the bodies being advancedsimultaneously, each at a substantially constant linear rate byengagement of the bodies with drive surfaces, one for each body and thesurfaces simultaneously driven at a substantially constant speed, thecharacter of engagement of each body with its independent feed surfacebeing of a character whereby breakage of a linear body or loss oftension in the body permits slippage of the body on the feed surface tointerrupt advancement of the body without tendency for the body toadhere to or wrap around the rotating feed surface.

Another object of the invention resides in feeding simultaneously aplurality of strands to a plurality of rotating collectors or windersfor packaging each strand upon an individual collector wherein aplurality of rotating strand feeding surfaces, one for each strand, areconcomitantly driven to normally advance all of the strands at the samelinear rate, the character of each rotating feed surface and the linearcontact of each strand with its respective surface being adapted tomaintain the feed rate of each individual strand to its collectorsubstantially constant whereby substantially the same amount of yardageis contained in each of the packages.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a method ofpackaging impregnated groups or bundles of strands and concomitantlypackaging each individual bundle of strands upon a collector wherebyeach of the groups of strands is processed under substantially identicalconditions of impregnation and collection to assure a uniform qualityfor all of the impregnated bundles of strands.

Another object of the invention resides in a method of maintainingsubstantially constant the tension in each of the strands andmaintaining substantially constant the tension in each bundle or groupof strands during the collection of the bundles or groups of strands onindividual collectors.

Another object of the invention involves a method of impregnating thestrands either individually or in groups, drying the impregnant on thegroups of strands and establishing a common drive for the groups ofstrands whereby all the groups are subjected to substantially uniformdriving tension and, in the event of breakage or loss of tension in agroup, the drive for the particular group is interrupted withoutimpairing the processing of the other groups being wound uponcollectors.

Another object of the invention resides in withdrawing strands fromsupply packages wherein each strand is subjected to substantially thesame tension and the strands grouped into bundles and impregnated with acoating material, the groups of strands being advanced to a dryingstation and the groups of impregnated bundles of strands advanced ordriven by a common drive means whereby substantially uniform tension isestablished in each bundle of impregnated strands to promote uniformimpregnation of the groups of strands.

Another object of the invention resides in withdrawing strands fromsupply packages and regulating the tension in each strand withdrawn fromthe package by a central control whereby each strand is subjected tosubstantially uniform tension.

Another object of the invention resides in a method of and apparatus formaintaining substantially constant uniform tension in groups of strandsthrough a common drive for all of the groups wherein each group is woundupon an individual collector, the method and apparatus providing forinterruption of the drive for any group in which breakage or loss oftension occurs without affecting continued winding of the other groupsof strands.

Another object of the invention resides in a method of and apparatus forcounting the revolutions of the common drive means for all of the groupsand at each revolution an impulse is transferred to a counter at each ofthe winding or packaging stations and wherein loss of tension of astrand or breakage thereof is effective to interrupt the operation ofthe counter and interrupt the winding of such strand.

Further objects and advantages are within the scope of this inventionsuch as relate to the arrangement, operation and function of the relatedelements of the structure, to various details of construction and tocombinations of parts, elements per se, and to economies of manufactureand numerous other features as will be apparent from a consideration ofthe specification and drawing of a form of the invention, which may bepreferred, in which:

FIG. 1 is a semischematic view illustrating a form of apparatus forperforming the method of transferring linear material from a supply toform a wound package of material;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a form of means for applying tension tothe linear material at the supply;

FIG. 3 is a semischematic elevational view illustrating the simultaneousfeeding and collection of a plurality of impregnated linear bodies intowound packages;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a semischematic side elevational view of one of the packagewinders illustrated in FIG. 3 in association with a feeding means forthe linear material;

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating a modified arrangement of feedingstrands through an impregnant;

FIG. 8 illustrates a counter actuating device;

FIG. 9 illustrates an electromagnetically actuated counter;

FIG. 10 is a schematic elevational view illustrating a common feedingmeans for a plurality of linear bodies, and

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 10.

While the method and apparatus of the invention have particular utilityin controlling the feeding of coated strands whereby the strands arewound into individual packages with substantially the same amount ofstrand in each package, the invention may be utilized in transferringlinear material or strand from a supply package onto a rotatingcollector wherever it is desirable to maintain constant the rate ofdelivery of linear material.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, there is illustrated a formof apparatus for carrying out the method of the invention in feeding ortransferring linear material such as a strand or body of glass fibers orfilaments onto a rotating packaging collector of a conventional windingapparatus.

There is illustrated a single winder or winding machine of conventionalcharacter for winding a strand or other linear material into a package,the arrangement illustrating one form of feeding means and tensioncontrol for the strand or linear material.

A frame or creel 10 is provided adapted to mount or support a supplypackage 12 of linear material as, for example, a strand or bundle 14 ofglass filaments. The strand 14 may be uncoated or may be coated orimpregnated with rubber-like material or a similar impregnant. Mountedadjacent the package upon a support member 15 is a guide eye 16 for thestrand and a tension control means 18 for controlling the tension of thestrand withdrawn from the package, one form of tension control 18 beingillustrated in FIG. 2 and hereinafter described.

The strand 14 is passed through a guide eye 16 thence through thetension control 18 and over a guide roll or pulley 20 to a device 22illustrated schematically, the latter arranged to interrupt the circuitof a drive motor of the winder upon breakage of the strand or linearmaterial 14. The strand or linear material 14 is engaged with a portionof the periphery of a feed roll 26, the latter being driven by a motor28. Means is provided for regulating the length of linear contact of thestrand 14 with the feed roll 26.

One form of means for this purpose is illustrated in FIG. 1 and includesa frame or support 30 disposed adjacent the feed roll, the frameincluding plate-like means 31 and 32 fashioned with slots 34 and 35.Adjustably mounted in the slots are members or stub shafts 36 and 37each having a threaded portion accommodating a locking nut (not shown)for securing the member in adjusted position.

Journally mounted on member 36 is a guide roll or pulley 39 andjournaled on member 37 is a second guide roll or pulley 40. The strand14 takes over the pulley 39 thence engages the peripheral surface of thefeed roll 26 and takes over the guide pulley or roll 40 and is fed to arotatable collector on a winding machine 45, the latter being ofconventional construction.

Initial tension in the strand or linear body 14 is established by thetension device 18, particularly illustrated in FIG. 2. The materialtensioning device 18 is of the electromagnetically operated squeeze-typeand includes a tube 48 mounted upon the support plate 15, a coil 49 andannular disks 50 and 51 encircling the tube 48. The coil 49 is supportedon a tubular member 53 of nonmetallic material, the coil 49 beinginsulatingly contained in a circular housing 55. The tube 48, member 53and the coil housing 55 are secured to the plate 15 by a bolt 57 and anut 58.

The annular disks 50 and 51 are rotatably supported on the tube or post48, the disk 51 engaging and extending across the open end of thecontainer 55, the disk 51 being preferably of nonmagnetic material.

The disk 50 is disposed adjacent the disk 51 with the strand or linearbody 14 disposed between flat surfaces of the disks 50 and 51. The disk50 is fashioned of magnetizable'material such as steel. Current issupplied to the coil 49 through leads 60 and 61, the coil being incircuit with an adjustable current regulating means (not shown) forvarying the magnetic flux acting on the disk 50 to regulate the amountof pressure and hence the amount of tension on the strand 14.

FIG. 1 illustrates in semischematic form a winding apparatus or machine45 for winding the strand or linear body 14 into a package. The winderis of conventional construction of the character shown in U.S. Pat. No.3,361,375. The winder is inclusive of a housing 64 which supports orencloses operating components and control means. The housing is providedwith an upwardly extending frame portion 66 on which a winding head 68is pivotally mounted, a winding mandrel 70 being journaled on the headand driven by an electrically energizable motor 72.

A thin walled collector or tube 74 is telescoped onto the mandrel 70,the linear body or strand 14 being wound upon the collector or tube 74forming a wound package 75. An arm or member 76 is pivoted as at 78 onthe housing 64 or on means carried by the housing,

the arm 76 having a grooved roll or pulley 80 journally supported at thedistal end of the arm 76. As shown in FIG. 1, the strand 14 engages aguide roll or pulley 82 and the guide roll 80 on the arm 76 and iscollected into a package 75 on the winding mandrel.

Mounted on the housing 45 is a member 84 supporting a rotatable traversemeans 86 for the strand which also is reciprocated lengthwise of thepackage. The traverse guide 86 is reciprocated throughout the fulllength of the package during winding to form a square end package. Thetraverse guide 86 is rotated and reciprocated by means (not shown)driven by the motor 72. The traverse guide 86 is maintained close to theperiphery of the package during its formation, the winding head 68 beingpivotally supported on the shaft 88 whereby the head accommodates theincreasing size of the package through the pivotal movement of the headThe head 68 is biased in a counterclockwise direction by a spring 90 tomaintain the surface of the package in contact with traverse roll orguide means 86. A bracket 92 is adjustably carried by the head 68 and asecond spring 94 is connected with the bracket and with an anchoringmember mounted on the frame 45. The biasing springs 90 and 94 areconventional and are employed to compensate for variable factors such asthe initial weight of the head 68, the increase in package weight aspackage size increases and the decrease in the force vector as the head68 is pivoted in a clockwise direction toward a vertical positionthrough the axis of the shaft 88.

The motor 72 is of the variable speed type and is progressively reducedin speed as the package 75 increases in size during a winding operationso that the strand or linear body is wound at a substantially constantlinear speed. The means for reducing the motor speed is controlled bypotentiometers (not shown) the arrangement for controlling the motorspeed being disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,361,375.

The arm 76 when in its lowermost position, that is, when the strand orlinear material loses tension and becomes slack or is broken, isarranged to engage a limit switch 98 intercalated in the circuit ofmotor 72 to deenergize the motor and interrupt the winding operation.

The feed roll 26 is engaged by the strand or linear body 14 to effect asubstantially uniform linear feed of the strand to the collector 74. Thecharacter of the surface of the feed roll and the extent of linealengagement of the strand 14 with the surface of the feed roll 26 providefor slippage of the strand on the feed roll during periods of start-upuntil the winding mandrel 70 is brought up to the proper winding speedand to facilitate slippage between the strand and the feed roll in theevent that there is a loss of tension in the region of the strandbetween the feed roll 26 and the package being formed.

The character of the surface of the feed roll 26 is an essential factorin providing for slippage of the strand or linear body under certainoperating conditions. The surface of the feed roll 26 may be fashionedof a material having the characteristic of permitting slippage of thestrand 14 in the event of a slack condition of the strand 14 between thefeed roll and the winder 45. It is found that a coating or surface ofpolyurethane on the feed roll 26 is effective when the strand 14 is intension to feed the strand without slippage at a constant linear rate asthe feed roll 26 is rotated at a constant speed by the motor 28.

In a start-up operation, the strand 14 is in slackened condition betweenthe feed roll and the winding collector 74 until the winding collectorreaches proper winding speed which is equal to the normal linear feedrate of the strand or linear material advanced by the feed roll 26. Withthe strand in slackened condition slippage occurs between the feed rolland the strand until the slack condition in the strand 14 is obviatedupon the collector 74 reaching its proper winding speed. If strandbreakage occurs between the feed roll and the winder, slippageimmediately ensues between the feed roll 26 and the strand so the feedof the strand is interrupted at the feed roll.

Furthermore, upon strand breakage, tension in the strand 14 is lost andthe arm 76 moves downward to its lowermost position engaging the limitswitch 98 to interrupt the circuit of the winding machine motor 72 tointerrupt winding of the strand on the package 75. The amount offriction desired between the feed roll 26 and the strand 14 may becontrolled by adjusting the relative position of one or both of theidler rolls 39 and 48 to modify the extent or length of linearperipheral contact of the strand 14 with the feed means or strandadvancing roll 26.

While a layer or surfacing of polyurethane on the feed roll 26 has beeneffective as a satisfactory feed for the strand of glass filaments andprovide for slippage under slack condition of the strand, other resinousmaterials may be used to advantage as a surfacing for the feed roll inconjunction with adjustment or control of the length of linear contactbetween the linear material or strand and the periphery of the feed roll26. This characteristic or dimension may be varied by adjusting theidler rolls 39 and 40.

FIGS. 3 through 6 illustrate the method of the invention utilized withapparatus for impregnating or coating strands or bodies of linearmaterial, such as strands of glass fibers with rubber, synthetic rubberor other impregnant, and feeding the strands by a common drivearrangement and winding each impregnated or coated strand or body on anindividual collector whereby a large number of packages of coated orimpregnated strand is simultaneously produced with each package havingthe same amount of strand. Each of the individual winders 45, one ofwhich is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, is the same as the winder shown in FIG.1.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a creel frame 100 is fashioned to supporttiers of supply packages 102 of strand, such as strand of glassfilaments, whereby a substantially large number of supply packages ismounted upon the creel frame. The creel packages may be supported uponpins 104 mounted upon the creel frame.

Each of the strands 108 is fed through a guide eye through a frictiondevice 18 of the character shown in detail in FIG. 2 to regulate thetension at the exit of the material from the supply package.

As shown in FIG. 4, the packages 102 of each horizontal row are arrangedin laterally offset relation to facilitate withdrawal of the strandsfrom the packages. A tension control means 18 hereinbefore described isprovided for each individual strand or linear body. The energizable coil49 of each of the tension controlling devices 18 is connected with acentral or common adjustable current control means (not shown) wherebyadjustment of the central control varies, modifies or regulates thetension simultaneously in all of the strands.

A strand guide frame construction 112 is disposed adjacent and forwardlyof the creel frame 100. The guide frame 1 12 is inclusive of spacedguide supporting portions 114 and 116. The guide frame portions 114 areprovided with vertically spaced, transversely arranged rows of guideeyes 118, there being a guide eye for each strand or linear body 108, asshown in FIG. 4. The guide frame portion 116 is equipped with rows ofguide eyes 120. As shown in FIG. 4, three strands 108 passing throughthree guide eyes 118 are converged into a single linear group or bundle122 by passing the three strands through a single guide eye 120.

Thus, it will be seen from FIG. 4 that groups of the strands or linearbodies are combined into single linear bodies or strand groups 122.While three strands 108 are illustrated as forming one group 122, it isto be understood that any number of strands from individual supplypackages 102 may be converged through each of the guide eyes 120 to forma single linear body or group. Positioned between the supply packages102 and the guide eyes 118 and straddling each strand is a drop memberor device 22 which functions to interrupt the motor circuit of thewinder on which the group of strands incorporating the broken strand isbeing wound into a package.

The drop member switch device for accomplishing this function isdisclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,361,375. A drop member switch device 22 isprovided for each strand as indicated in FIG. 4. Each drop member 22 isnormally held in open circuit or unoperable position by the normaltension in the strand. In event of breakage of a strand tension is lostand the drop member 22 falls by gravity to a position actuating a relaywhich deenergizes the motor 72 of the particular winder withoutaffecting the other winders.

The groups of strands or linear bodies 122 are engaged with ahorizontally disposed guide roll 126 arranged above a transverselyelongated receptacle or tank 128 in which is contained an impregnatingcomposition or coating material 130 in liquid or flowable condition.Immersed in the liquid impregnant is a roll 132 and disposed above thereceptacle is a third roll 134.

As shown in FIG. 3, the groups of strands or linear bodies 122 passdownwardly into the impregnant 130, around the roll 132 thence over thethird roll 134.

The linear groups or bodies 122 are spaced transversely as shown in FIG.4 so that each group or body is isolated or out of contact with othergroups or bodies so that upon immersion in the impregnant, each group orbody is coated or impregnated with the liquid impregnating material 130.Extending transversely of the receptacle 128 is a wall portion 138 whichsupports stripping dies 140, there being a stripping die for each groupor linear body 122a, the dies being for the purpose of stripping offexcess impregnant adhering to the groups or bodies.

The stripped or excess impregnant is returned to the receptacle 128along the wall portion 138. Through this arrangement each group orlinear body 122 is effectively impregnated or coated with the impregnantor liquid material 130, the impregnated groups being designated 122a.The impregnant 130 is preferably rubber or synthetic rubber where thecoated groups of strands or bodies are used in the fabrication of tirecord in the manufacture of pneumatic tires. It is to be understood thatother materials may be employed for impregnating or coating the strandsor groups of strands dependent upon the end uses therefor.

The coated or impregnated strands or groups 122a of strands are passedthrough an oven or drying facility 144 in which air is circulated tovolatilize the liquid constituent of the impregnant so that theimpregnant or coating material on the strands is dried or substantiallydried. The groups or bundles 122a of coated strands at the exit of theoven 144 are engaged with a guide roll 146. Means is provided in theoven or drying apparatus 144 to convey the coated groups or bundles ofstrand through the oven during start-up.

Disposed at respective end regions of the oven are sprockets 148 and150, the sprockets being secured at the ends of the sprocket supportingshafts 152. Chains 154 and 156 connect a sprocket 148 and sprocket 150of each pair, as shown in FIG. 4. The flights of chains 154 and 156 areequipped with bars or members 158 extending transversely of the oven144.

The bars or members 158 provide means to which the strands or bundles ofstrands may be secured or anchored to facilitate start-up operations,the right-hand movement of the upper flight of the chains, as viewed inFIG. 4, drawing the bundles through the oven 144. In the event ofbreakage of a strand or bundle of strands, the same may be fastened toone of the bars 158 and such strand or bundle drawn through the ovenafter which the operator is enabled to thread the bundle over the feedand idler rolls and to the winder upon which the bundle is to becollected.

The groups or bundles of strands 122a from the drying facility 144 aredirected to package winding machines or apparatus 45 of the charactershown in FIG. 1 for packaging the coated or impregnated bodies, eachgroup or bundle 122a being wound into a package on an individual winder45.

The winders 45 are arranged in two lengthwise parallel groups. Theinvention includes a common drive means or feed means for the strandgroups or linear bodies 122a delivered to each row of winders.

Disposed above each row of winders and extending lengthwise of each rowis a rotatable shaft 162, each shaft being journaled in suitablebearings mounted upon a support or bar 166 extending parallel with theshafts, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. Each of the shafts 162 is arranged todrive body-advancing means or feed rolls 168, there being a feed roll168 for each of the strand groups or linear bodies 122a. As shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, support members 170 are disposed parallel with the shafts162.

Supported by brackets 171 mounted on each of the members 170 is a seriesof guide rolls or pulleys 172. Disposed adjacent the exit of the oven144 and above the roll 146 is a guide roll 174 and all of the groups ofstrands or linear bodies 122a exiting from the oven 144 are passedbeneath the guide roll 146 thence over the guide roll 174 from whicheacn individual group or body 122a is directed over an individual guideroll or pulley 172, as shown schematically in FIG. 4.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the path of movement of each strand group orlinear body 122a from a guide roll 172 onto the collector 74 to form apackage 75. Each feed roll 168 is journally supported upon a bracket 176mounted on the support 166.

Each feed roll is preferably driven from the adjacent shaft 162 througha magnetic type slip clutch contained within a housing 178, this type ofclutch being of a character used on a conventional textile twisterframe.

Adjustably mounted about the axis of shaft 180 supporting a feed roll168 is a bracket 182 which supports an idler roll or pulley 184 at itsdistal end. The bracket 182 has an elongated portion 186 and carries anadjusting screw 188 extending through an arcuate slot 190 in the supportbracket 176. By manipulating the clamping screw 188 the bracket ormember 182 carrying the idler roll 184 may be adjusted about the axis ofthe shaft 180 to change the relative position of the idler roll 184 withrespect to the feed roll 168 to vary, adjust or control the extent oflinear contact of the linear body 122a with the feeding means or roll168 to thereby vary the amount of friction between a linear body 122aand the feed means 168.

The winder construction 45 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is substantiallyidentical with the winder construction shown in FIG. 1. The group ofstrands or linear bodies 122a engages a guide roll or pulley 82 andpasses around a pulley or guide 80 mounted upon the distal end of apivoted arm 76 thence upwardly and is engaged by the traverse member 86which distributes the linear body lengthwise of the collector 74 rotatedby the winding mandrel 70 to distribute the linear body lengthwise informing the package 75.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, one of the drive shafts 162 is driven by amotor 192 and the other drive shaft 162 driven by a motor 194 at thesame speed. The motors 192 and 194 are of a type rotating at a constantspeed so that each drive shaft 162 is driven at a constant speed. Thesurface of each of the feed rolls 168 is of a character to establish anonslipping friction drive for a strand group or linear body 122a whenthe linear body is under tension and, under loss of tension or reducedtension, permits the linear body to slip relative to the surface of adrive roll or feed roll 168.

When all of the winders of the two rows or banks of winders are innormal operation, each strand group or linear body 122a is advanced at auniform speed because all of the strands are being advanced under theinfluence of drive shafts 162 both of which are rotating at a constantspeed. In a situation at start-up where winding of a linear body isinitiated on a winder on which an empty collector has been installed onthe winding mandrel, a period of time is required to bring the windingcollet up to normal packaging speed.

During this period there is no tension existent in the linear body 122abetween the feed roll 168 and the winding collector. Hence, the linearbody is not being advanced or fed by the feed roll 168 because thelinear body is in a slack condition with insufficient friction orfrictional engagement between the feed roll and the linear body toeffect transfer of driving force to the linear body, this conditionpromoting slippage between the linear body and the feed roll 168.

This condition of providing for slippage resides in the character of thesurface of the feed roll 168 and the length of linear contact of thelinear body 122a with the surface of the feed roll. it has been foundthat by providing a surface on the feed roll 168 of a resinous materialcorrelated with a proper length of engagement of the body with the feedroll surface, feeding of the strand group is attained when the strandgroup or linear body is in tension, and that slippage of the linear bodyrelative to the feed roll surface occurs under a slack 10 condition orloss of tension condition in the linear body.

It has been found that a surfacing on the feed roll 168 of polyurethanepresents a surface which fulfills the requirements of providing apositive feed for the linear body 122a under normal operating conditionsand slippage under other conditions. When the linear material 122a is ina slack condition, slippage will occur but there is no tendency for thecoated strands of a group 122a to adhere or stick to or wrap around thepolyurethane surface even through the impregnant or coating of rubber orsynthetic rubber may be slightly tacky or not completely set or dried inthe curing oven.

The amount of friction under drive conditions with a feed roll is in ameasure dependent upon the amount of tension in the strand group 122aand the extent of linear contact of the strand group with the peripheryof a feed roll.

The length of linear contact of the strand group with the feed roll maybe varied or controlled by adjusting the relative position of an idlerroll 184 through manipulation of the locking member 188 to lengthen orshorten the extent of linear engagement of the strand group 122a withthe polyurethane surface of the feed roll 168.

Through the adjustment of the relative position of the idler roll 184,the amount of friction between the feed roll and the strand may beadjusted and correlated with the amount of tension in the strand group122 between the feed roll 168 and the winder so that a positive drive orfeed for the strand by the feed roll 168 is assured but slippagepermitted only in the event of slack condition of a strand group duringstart-up operation of the winder or loss of tension for any reason inthe strand group.

in the event of loss of tension in a strand group or breakage thereof,the feed of such strand group to a winder is interrupted withoutaffecting the winding operations of all of the remaining winders. Thus,in this form of the invention, only the winder failing to receive astrand group from its feeding means is rendered out of service. Thedrive rolls or feed rolls 168 are driven by a common drive, that is, thefeed rolls for one bank or row of winders are driven by one drive shaft162 by the constant speed motor 192, and the other group of rolls 68 forthe second bank of winders driven by a second shaft 162 at the samespeed.

Each of the winding machines is equipped with an individual yardagecounter or integrating device 208, the counters being of a type actuatedby electric impulses, one of the counter or yardage intergrating unitsbeing shown in FIG. 9. Mounted on each drive shaft 162 is a radiallyextending member or flag 200. Disposed adjacent the member 200 is aU-shaped electromagnetic instrumentality 202. During rotation of a shaft162, the member or flag 200 moves through the gap 204 of theinstrumentality 202 which movement affects magnetic forces and therebygenerates a pulse or signal in the output circuit of the instrumentality202.

Each counter has an indicator 210 which continuously indicates,integrates or summates yardage accumulating on the package of strands.The counter is also equipped with a second indicating means 212 whichmay be manually set to predetermine the yardage to be wound in apackage. The counter 208 includes a reset unit, recycling unit and arelay. The electromagnetic counter is of conventional construction suchas a I-lecon counter, a product of I-Iengstler Numerics, Inc.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, one member 200 on each of the shafts 162cooperates with an instrumentality 202. The circuit of theinstrumentality 202 is connected to each of the counters 208 on each ofthe winding machines. Upon each rotation of the flag or member 200through the gap in the instrumentality 202, an impulse is generated andimpressed upon each of the counters to actuate the counters and indicateaccumulating yardage.

The circuit of each counter is connected through a relay with the limitswitch 98, associated with the arm 96, whereby in event of loss oftension in a strand bundle 122a between a feed roll and a winder, thearm 76 contacting the limit switch 98 renders the counter ineffective.

Thus counting of yardage on a particular winder is interrupted wheneverthere is loss of tension in the strand group 122a or in event ofbreakage of a strand bundle. A switch (not shown) embodied in thecounter 208 is associated with the total yardage indicator 212 so thatwhen the amount of yardage wound into a package 75 equals thepredetermined yardage count on the indicator 212, the switch actuates arelay which inter rupts the transmission of impulse signals from theinstrumentality 202 to the counter and interrupts the circuit of thewinder motor 72.

The counters, individual to each winding machine, are normally actuatedby impulses generated through the instrumentality 202, but any abnormalcondition arising in winding a strand bundle on a winder results ininterruption of the transmission of the impulse signal to the counter onthe particular winder and stops the operation of the winder. Hence,while an impulse signal at each revolution of a shaft 162 is transmittedto a counter on each of the several winders, the impulse will notactuate the counter of a winder if the strand group or bundle directedto the winder is not being accepted by the winder.

The counter 208 embodies a resetting means which, through the relay inthe counter is actuated to return the counter to zero indication andprepare it for the next counting cycle of a package.

FIG. 7 illustrates a portion of an arrangement similar to that shown inFIG. 3 at the region of impregnation or coating of the strands withnatural or synthetic rubber or other coating material. In thisarrangement the individual strands 108 are drawn from supply packages102', through tension devices 18', the strands moving past the dropmember devices 22', thence through guide eyes 118' and 120 and engaginga roll 126'. The strands, while in transverse spaced relation, are drawnthrough the impregnant 130 in the container 128 and beneath an immersedroll 132'.

By drawing the individual strands 108 through the impregnant 130' withthe strands in spaced relation, each strand is thus thoroughlyimpregnated or coated with the material. As shown in FIG. 7, the strandsare converged into groups after they are passed through impregnant inthe receptacle 128', there being three strands in each group, the groupspassing over a guide roll 134, each group being drawn through astripping die 140' and the groups l22b of coated strands conveyedthrough an oven or drying facility 144'.

The strand groups 122!) are thereafter conveyed from the drying facility144' to the several winders in the same manner as shown in FIGS. 3 and4. Thus, in the arrangement shown in FIG. 7, the strands are passedthrough the impregnant in spaced relation so that each strand isthoroughly coated or impregnated.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a modification wherein all of the strandgroups delivered from a drying facility or oven are advanced to windingmachines through the use of a common drive or feed roll. Disposed at theexit end of the drying facility 144" is an idler roll 146", theimpregnated or coated strand groups 1220 passing beneath the guide roll146". Disposed adjacent the exit end of the oven 144" is a framestructure 220 which includes members 222 disposed in transversely spacedrelation. Journaled upon means (not shown) is a strand feed roll 240mounted on a shaft driven by a constant speed motor 228.

Adjustably supported on the frame members 222 is a first idler roll 230and a second idler roll 232. Each of the frame members 222 is providedwith arcuately shaped slots 234 and 236. Tenon portions on the ends ofthe rolls 230 and 232 extend through the slots 234 and 236 and areadjustable in the slots about the center of rotation of a feed roll 240.The idler rolls 230 and 232 may be held in adjusted position in theslots 234 and 236 by conventional securing means. In the arrangementshown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the surface or surfacing of the strand feedroll 240 may be polyurethane or other suitable resinous material as inthe other forms of the invention.

The coated strand groups 122a take over the idler roll 230, thenceengaging the surface of the feed roll 240 and the idler roll 232, thestrands being directed over guide rolls or pulleys 172" and downwardly,each to an individual winding machine 45, where each coated strand group122: is wound into a package.

In the form of the invention shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, all of the coatedstrand groups 122c are engaged with a common feed roll 240 whereby thestrand groups are advanced to the winders 45 at the same linear speed.

In event of loss of tension in any strand group at a region between thefeed roll 240 and a particular winder, slippage occurs between thestrand in which the tension is lost and the feed roll 240. When tensionis lost in a strand, the arm 76" of the particular winder engages alimit switch 98" to de-energize the winder motor 72 of the winder.During start-up of the winders, the individual strands may slip withrespect to the polyurethane surface of the feed roll 240 until theproper tension is established in the strands fed to the several winders.

The idler rolls 230 and 232 are adjustable in order to regulate or varythe linear area of contact of the coated strand groups with thepolyurethane surface on the feed roll 240. By controlling the linearengagement of the strand groups 122C with the surface of the feed roll240 sufficient friction is established to provide for a normal positivefeed of the strands to the winders and yet permit slippage between thefeed roll and a strand group in the event of breakage of the strandgroup or loss of tension in the strand group. By providing the feed roll240 with a polyurethane surface, in event of breakage of a strand group,the coated strand does not adhere to the polyurethane surface and hencethe tendency for a broken strand to wrap around the feed roll 240 issubstantially eliminated.-

In the form of the invention shown in FIGS. 10 and 1 1, each of thewinders 45 is equipped with an integrating device or counter of the typeillustrated at 208 in FIG. 9, each of the counters receiving electricalimpulses from an arrangement of the character illustrated in FIG. 8,associated with the shaft carrying the feed roll 240 to summate orintegrate the yardage accumulating on the collectors of the windingmachines.

While polyurethane has been found to be very satisfactory as a surfacingcomponent for the strand feed roll or rolls, it is to be understood thatother resinous materials or compositions may be utilized for the surfaceof the feed rolls in order to establish a drive when the strand body isin tension and to provide slippage under loss of tension in the strandbody.

It is apparent that, within the scope of the invention, modificationsand different arrangements may be made other than as herein disclosed,and the present disclosure is illustrative merely, the inventioncomprehending all variations thereof.

We claim ll. Apparatus for packaging linear material comprising, incombination, support means, a rotatable collector mounted by the supportmeans upon which the linear material is wound into a package, a motorfor rotating the collector, feed means for advancing the linearmaterial, said feed means including a rotatable feed roll engaging thelinear material, means for rotating the feed roll, the tension in thelinear material normally effecting frictional driving engagement of thelinear material with the rotating feed roll, the driving engagement ofthe rotating feed roll with the linear material being renderedineffective to advance the linear material upon loss of tension in thelinear material, a movable member engaging the linear material at aregion between the feed means and the rotating collector, and meansactuated by the movable member upon loss of tension in the linearmaterial to interrupt winding of the linear material on the collector.

2. Apparatus for packaging linear material comprising, in combination,support means, a rotatable collector mounted by the support means uponwhich the linear material is wound into a package, a motor for rotatingthe collector, feed means for advancing the linear material, said feedmeans including a rotatable feed roll engaging the linear material,means for rotating the feed roll, the tension in the linear materialnormally effecting frictional driving engagement of the linear materialwith the rotating feed roll, the driving engagement of the rotating feedroll with the linear material being rendered ineffective to advance thelinear material upon loss of tension in the linear material, a pivotallysupported member, a grooved guide mounted by said member engaging thelinear material at a region between the feed means and the rotatingcollector, and means actuated by movement of the pivoted member uponloss of tension in the linear material to deenergize the motor rotatingthe collector to interrupt winding of the linear material on thecollector.

3. Apparatus for packaging linear material comprising, in combination,support means, a rotatable collector mounted by the'support means uponwhich the linear material is wound into a package, a motor for rotatingthe collector, feed means for advancing linear material, said feed meansincluding a rotatable feed roll engaging the linear material, means forrotating the feed roll, the tension in the linear material normallyeffecting frictional driving engagement of the linear material with therotating feed roll whereby the linear material is advanced by the feedroll at a substantially lid constant speed to the collector, the drivingengagement of the rotating feed roll with the linear material beingrendered ineffective to advance the linear material upon loss of tensionin the linear material, a movable member engaging the linear material ata region between the feed means and the rotating collector to maintaintension at said region in the linear material, said movable member beingeffective upon loss of tension in the linear material to de-energize themotor rotating the collector to interrupt winding of the linear materialon the collector.

4. Apparatus for packaging linear material comprising, in combination,support means, a rotatable collector mounted by the support means uponwhich the linear material is wound into a package, a motor for rotatingthe collector, means for guiding the linear material into the package,feed means for advancing linear material, said feed means including arotatable feed roll engaging the linear material, means for rotating thefeed roll, the tension in the linear material normally effectingfrictional driving engagement of the linear material with the rotatingfeed roll whereby the linear material is advanced by the feed roll at asubstantially constant speed to the collector, the driving engagement ofthe rotating feed roll with the linear material being renderedineffective to advance the linear material upon loss of tension in thelinear material, a counter for integrating the amount of material in thepackage, said counter being actuated by impulses responsive to rotationof the feed roll, and means interrupting operation of the counter uponloss of tension in the linear material. r

5. Apparatus for packaging linear material comprising, in combination,support means, a rotatable collector mounted by the support means uponwhich the linear material is wound into a package, a motor for rotatingthe collector, means for guiding the linear material into the package,feed means for advancing the linear material from a supply, said feedmeans including a rotatable feed roll having a peripheral surface ofresinous material for engagement with the linear material, means forrotating the feed roll, the tension in the linear material normallyeffecting frictional driving engagement of the linear material with therotating feed roll whereby the linear material is advanced by the feedroll at a substantially constant speed to the collector,

the driving engagement of the rotating feed roll with the linearmaterial being rendered ineffective to advance the linear material uponloss of tension in the linear material, a counter for integrating theamount of material in the package, said counter being actuated byimpulses responsive to rotation of the feed roll, and means interruptingoperation of the counter upon loss of tension in the linear material.

6. The combination according to claim 5 wherein the peripheral surfaceof the feed roll is of polyurethane.

7. Apparatus for packaging linear material including, in combination,frame means arranged to support a plurality of supply packages ofstrands of glass fibers from which the strands are withdrawn, means forapplying coating material to the strands, a plurality of windingmachines, each winding machine having a rotatable collector, meansindividual to each winding machine for rotating the collector, feedingmeans individual to each winding machine for withdrawing strands fromthe supply packages and advancing the strands to the winding machines,means for converging groups of the strands from supply packages to formbundles of strand, means for drying the coating material on the strandsprior to engagement of the bundles of strands with the feeding means,guide means for directing a bundle of strands to each of said feedingmeans, each of said feeding means including a rotatable feed rollengageable with a bundle of strands, each of said rotatable feed rollsbeing simultaneously rotated by a common drive means, means engagingeach of the strands adjacent the supply packages for establishingtension in each of the strands, the tension in the strands normallyeffecting driving engagement of each bundle of strands with a rotatingfeed roll whereby each bundle of strands is advanced by the feed roll ata substantially constant speed to the collector of a winding machine,the driving engagement of a feed roll with a bundle of strands beingrendered ineffective to advance the bundle of strands to the windingmachine collector upon loss of tension in the bundle of strands.

8. Apparatus for packaging linear material including, in combination,frame means arranged to support a plurality of supply packages ofstrands of glass fibers from which the strands are withdrawn, means forapplying coating material to the strands, a plurality of windingmachines, each winding machine having a rotatable collector, meansindividual to each winding machine for rotating the collector, feedingmeans individual to each winding machine for withdrawing strands fromthe supply packages and advancing the strands to the winding machines,means for converging groups of the strands from supply packages to formbundles of strand, guide means for directing a bundle of strands to eachof said feeding means, each of said feeding means including a rotatablefeed roll engageable with a bundle of strands, said rotatable feed rollsbeing simultaneously rotated by a common drive means, means engagingeach of the strands adjacent the supply packages for establishingtension in each of the strands, the tension in the strands normallyeffecting driving engagement of each bundle of strands with a rotatingfeed roll whereby each bundle of strands is advanced by the feed roll ata substantially constant speed to the collector of a winding machine,the driving engagement of a feed roll with a bundle of strands beingrendered ineffective to advance the bundle of strands to the windingmachine collector upon loss of tension in the bundle of strands, ayardage counter associated with each winding machine, and meansresponsive to the common drive means for the feeding means transmittingelectrical impulses to the counters associated with the winding machinesfor integrating the yardage being packaged upon the collectors of eachof the winding machines.

9. Apparatus for packaging linear material including, in combination,frame means arranged to support a plurality of supply packages ofstrands of glass fibers from which the strands are withdrawn, means forapplying coating material to the strands, a plurality of windingmachines, each winding machine having a rotatable collector, meansindividual to each winding machine for rotating the collector, feedingmeans individual to each winding machine for withdrawing strands fromthe supply packages and advancing the strands to the winding machines,means for converging groups of the strands from supply packages to formbundles of strand, guide means for directing a bundle of strands to eachof said feeding means, each of said feeding means including a rotatablefeed roll having a surface of resinous material engageable with a bundleof strands, drive means for the rotatable feed rolls, means engagingeach of the strands for establishing tension in each of the strands, thetension in the strands normally effecting driving engagement of eachbundle of strands with a rotating feed roll whereby each bundle ofstrands is advanced by the feed roll at a substantially constant speedto the collector of a winding machine, the driving engagement of a feedroll with a bundle of strands being rendered ineffective to advance thebundle of strands to the winding machine collector upon loss of tensionin the bundle of strands, a yardage counter associated with each windingmachine, means responsive to the common drive means for the feedingmeans transmitting electrical impulses to the counters associated withthe winding machines for integrating the yardage being packaged upon thecollectors of each of the winding machines, a movable member associatedwith each winding machine and engageable with the bundle of strandsbeing fed to the winding machine, and means actuated by movement of amember upon loss of tension in the bundle of strands engaged by the saidmember for interrupting the transfer of impulses to the counter of thewinding apparatus associated with the bundle of strands in which loss oftension has occurred.

10. Apparatus for packaging linear material, in combination, frame meansarranged to support a plurality of supply packages of strands of fibersfrom which the strands are withdrawn, means for applying coatingmaterial to the strands, means for converging groups of the strands toform a plurality of bundles of the strands, a plurality of windingmachines, each winding machine having a rotating package collector onwhich a bundle of strands is wound into a package, a motor individual toeach winding machine for rotating the collector, feeding meanscomprising a feed roll engageable with the bundles of strands forwithdrawing the strands from the supply packages and advancing thebundles of strands to the winding machines, means for drying the coatingmaterial on the strands prior to engagement of the bundles of strandswith the feed roll, said feed roll having its peripheral surface ofresinous material for engagement with the bundles of strands, means forrotating the feed roll, the tension in the bundles of strands normallyeffecting frictional driving engagement of the bundles of strands withthe rotating feed roll whereby the bundles of strands are advanced bythe feed roll at a substantially constant speed to the collectors of thewinding machines, the driving engagement for a bundle of strands beingrendered ineffective to advance the bundle to its winding machinecollector upon loss of tension in the bundle, a movable member for eachwinding machine engaging the bundle of strands being advanced to awinding machine at a region between the feed roll and the rotatingcollector of the winding machine to maintain tension at said region inthe bundle of strands, and means actuated by a movableimember upon lossof tension in the bundle of strands in engagement with the movablemember to interrupt winding of the bundle on the collector.

1. Apparatus for packaging linear material comprising, in combination,support means, a rotatable collector mounted by the support means uponwhich the linear material is wound into a package, a motor for rotatingthe collector, feed means for advancing the linear material, said feedmeans including a rotatable feed roll engaging the linear material,means for rotating the feed roll, the tension in the linear materialnormally effecting frictional driving engagement of the linear materialwith the rotating feed roll, the driving engagement of the rotating feedroll with the linear material being rendered ineffective to advance thelinear material upon loss of tension in the linear material, a movablemember engaging the linear material at a region between the feed meansand the rotating collector, and means actuated by the movable memberupon loss of tension in the linear material to interrupt winding of thelinear material on the collector.
 2. Apparatus for packaging linearmaterial comprising, in combination, support means, a rotatablecollector mounted by the support means upon which the linear material iswound into a package, a motor for rotating the collector, feed means foradvancing the linear material, said feed means including a rotatablefeed roll engaging the linear material, means for rotating the feedroll, the tension in the linear material normally effecting frictionaldriving engagement of the linear material with the rotating feed roll,the driving engagement of the rotating feed roll with the linearmaterial being rendered ineffective to advance the linear material uponloss of tension in the linear material, a pivotally supported member, agrooved guide mounted by said member engaging the linear material at aregion between the feed means and the rotating collector, and meansactuated by movement of the pivoted member upon loss of tension in thelinear material to de-energize the motor rotating the collector tointerrupt winding of the linear material on the collector.
 3. Apparatusfor packaging linear material comprising, in combination, support means,a rotatable collector mounted by the support means upon which the linearmaterial is wound into a package, a motor for rotating the collector,feed means for advancing linear material, said feed means including arotatable feed roll engaging the linear material, means for rotating thefeed roll, the tension in the linear material normally effectingfrictional driving engagement of the linear material with the rotatingfeed roll whereby the linear material is advanced by the feed roll at asubstantially constant speed to the collector, the driving engagement ofthe rotating feed roll with the linear material being renderedineffective to advance the linear material upon loss of tension in thelinear material, a movable member engaging the linear material at aregion between the feed means and the rotating collector to maintaintension at said region in the linear material, said movable member beingeffective upon loss of tension in the linear material to de-energize themotor rotating the collector to interrupt winding of the linear materialon the collector.
 4. Apparatus for packaging linear material comprising,in combination, support means, a rotatable collector mounted by thesupport means upon which the linear material is wound into a package, amotor for rotating the collector, means for guiding the linear materialinto the package, feed means for advancing linear material, said feedmeans including a rotatable feed roll engaging the linear material,means for rotating the feed roll, the tension in the linear materialnormally effecting frictional driving engagement of the linear materialwith the rotating feed roll whereby the linear material is advanced bythe feed roll at a substantially constant speed to the collector, thedriving engagement of the rotating feed roll with the linear materialbeing rendered ineffective to advance the linear maTerial upon loss oftension in the linear material, a counter for integrating the amount ofmaterial in the package, said counter being actuated by impulsesresponsive to rotation of the feed roll, and means interruptingoperation of the counter upon loss of tension in the linear material. 5.Apparatus for packaging linear material comprising, in combination,support means, a rotatable collector mounted by the support means uponwhich the linear material is wound into a package, a motor for rotatingthe collector, means for guiding the linear material into the package,feed means for advancing the linear material from a supply, said feedmeans including a rotatable feed roll having a peripheral surface ofresinous material for engagement with the linear material, means forrotating the feed roll, the tension in the linear material normallyeffecting frictional driving engagement of the linear material with therotating feed roll whereby the linear material is advanced by the feedroll at a substantially constant speed to the collector, the drivingengagement of the rotating feed roll with the linear material beingrendered ineffective to advance the linear material upon loss of tensionin the linear material, a counter for integrating the amount of materialin the package, said counter being actuated by impulses responsive torotation of the feed roll, and means interrupting operation of thecounter upon loss of tension in the linear material.
 6. The combinationaccording to claim 5 wherein the peripheral surface of the feed roll isof polyurethane.
 7. Apparatus for packaging linear material including,in combination, frame means arranged to support a plurality of supplypackages of strands of glass fibers from which the strands arewithdrawn, means for applying coating material to the strands, aplurality of winding machines, each winding machine having a rotatablecollector, means individual to each winding machine for rotating thecollector, feeding means individual to each winding machine forwithdrawing strands from the supply packages and advancing the strandsto the winding machines, means for converging groups of the strands fromsupply packages to form bundles of strand, means for drying the coatingmaterial on the strands prior to engagement of the bundles of strandswith the feeding means, guide means for directing a bundle of strands toeach of said feeding means, each of said feeding means including arotatable feed roll engageable with a bundle of strands, each of saidrotatable feed rolls being simultaneously rotated by a common drivemeans, means engaging each of the strands adjacent the supply packagesfor establishing tension in each of the strands, the tension in thestrands normally effecting driving engagement of each bundle of strandswith a rotating feed roll whereby each bundle of strands is advanced bythe feed roll at a substantially constant speed to the collector of awinding machine, the driving engagement of a feed roll with a bundle ofstrands being rendered ineffective to advance the bundle of strands tothe winding machine collector upon loss of tension in the bundle ofstrands.
 8. Apparatus for packaging linear material including, incombination, frame means arranged to support a plurality of supplypackages of strands of glass fibers from which the strands arewithdrawn, means for applying coating material to the strands, aplurality of winding machines, each winding machine having a rotatablecollector, means individual to each winding machine for rotating thecollector, feeding means individual to each winding machine forwithdrawing strands from the supply packages and advancing the strandsto the winding machines, means for converging groups of the strands fromsupply packages to form bundles of strand, guide means for directing abundle of strands to each of said feeding means, each of said feedingmeans including a rotatable feed roll engageable with a bundle ofstrands, said rotatable feed rolls being simultaneously rotatEd by acommon drive means, means engaging each of the strands adjacent thesupply packages for establishing tension in each of the strands, thetension in the strands normally effecting driving engagement of eachbundle of strands with a rotating feed roll whereby each bundle ofstrands is advanced by the feed roll at a substantially constant speedto the collector of a winding machine, the driving engagement of a feedroll with a bundle of strands being rendered ineffective to advance thebundle of strands to the winding machine collector upon loss of tensionin the bundle of strands, a yardage counter associated with each windingmachine, and means responsive to the common drive means for the feedingmeans transmitting electrical impulses to the counters associated withthe winding machines for integrating the yardage being packaged upon thecollectors of each of the winding machines.
 9. Apparatus for packaginglinear material including, in combination, frame means arranged tosupport a plurality of supply packages of strands of glass fibers fromwhich the strands are withdrawn, means for applying coating material tothe strands, a plurality of winding machines, each winding machinehaving a rotatable collector, means individual to each winding machinefor rotating the collector, feeding means individual to each windingmachine for withdrawing strands from the supply packages and advancingthe strands to the winding machines, means for converging groups of thestrands from supply packages to form bundles of strand, guide means fordirecting a bundle of strands to each of said feeding means, each ofsaid feeding means including a rotatable feed roll having a surface ofresinous material engageable with a bundle of strands, drive means forthe rotatable feed rolls, means engaging each of the strands forestablishing tension in each of the strands, the tension in the strandsnormally effecting driving engagement of each bundle of strands with arotating feed roll whereby each bundle of strands is advanced by thefeed roll at a substantially constant speed to the collector of awinding machine, the driving engagement of a feed roll with a bundle ofstrands being rendered ineffective to advance the bundle of strands tothe winding machine collector upon loss of tension in the bundle ofstrands, a yardage counter associated with each winding machine, meansresponsive to the common drive means for the feeding means transmittingelectrical impulses to the counters associated with the winding machinesfor integrating the yardage being packaged upon the collectors of eachof the winding machines, a movable member associated with each windingmachine and engageable with the bundle of strands being fed to thewinding machine, and means actuated by movement of a member upon loss oftension in the bundle of strands engaged by the said member forinterrupting the transfer of impulses to the counter of the windingapparatus associated with the bundle of strands in which loss of tensionhas occurred.
 10. Apparatus for packaging linear material, incombination, frame means arranged to support a plurality of supplypackages of strands of fibers from which the strands are withdrawn,means for applying coating material to the strands, means for converginggroups of the strands to form a plurality of bundles of the strands, aplurality of winding machines, each winding machine having a rotatingpackage collector on which a bundle of strands is wound into a package,a motor individual to each winding machine for rotating the collector,feeding means comprising a feed roll engageable with the bundles ofstrands for withdrawing the strands from the supply packages andadvancing the bundles of strands to the winding machines, means fordrying the coating material on the strands prior to engagement of thebundles of strands with the feed roll, said feed roll having itsperipheral surface of resinous material for engagement with the bundlesof strands, means for rotating the feed roll, the tenSion in the bundlesof strands normally effecting frictional driving engagement of thebundles of strands with the rotating feed roll whereby the bundles ofstrands are advanced by the feed roll at a substantially constant speedto the collectors of the winding machines, the driving engagement for abundle of strands being rendered ineffective to advance the bundle toits winding machine collector upon loss of tension in the bundle, amovable member for each winding machine engaging the bundle of strandsbeing advanced to a winding machine at a region between the feed rolland the rotating collector of the winding machine to maintain tension atsaid region in the bundle of strands, and means actuated by a movablemember upon loss of tension in the bundle of strands in engagement withthe movable member to interrupt winding of the bundle on the collector.